Four agencies received Best Practices designations from theTarget Markets Program Administrators Association for their abilityto deliver niche product insurance solutions to their clients.

This year's recipients were the Glatfelter Insurance Group,Synergy Professional Associates, Oryx Insurance Brokerage Inc. andWillis Programs.

TMPAA President Greg Thompson said the organization revamped thedesignation process, working with carriers to determine specificpractices and procedures that signify a high-level agency. Thedesignation overhaul was designed to provide more relevant guidanceto TMPAA members, Mr. Thompson said, and is “key to our future asan association and as program administrators.”

“It was an exercise well worth doing. In preparation for theaudit we took an introspective look at our operations andprocedures–we realize that keeping high standards is a journey andnot a destination,” said Ira Dawer, president of SynergyProfessional Associates. “The designation we believe is avalue-added proposition to our company partners and ourproducers.”

Tony Campisi, president and chief executive officer of theGlatfelter Insurance Group, said the award “is a reflection of theideals we strive to achieve in the program world and an importantbenchmark for all program specialists to reach in becoming abest-in-class operation.”

That sentiment was echoed by Tim Cappellett, vice president ofOryx, who said that earning the designation “validates the hardwork and commitment we strive to provide to our insurance partners,brokers and insureds.”

David Hampton, president and CEO of Willis Programs, said it wasa “privilege and honor” to receive the designation, which he called“the hallmark of quality” in program management. “I stronglyencourage all program managers to obtain the Best Practicedesignation,” he added.

The Program Summit was the eighth such event for the TMPAA. Thegroup's next major meeting will take place in April inBaltimore.